Zellers Announces National Sponsorship of Canadian Red Cross’ Babysitting Program
Launches annual ‘babysitting hero’ contest across Canada
(Toronto, February 7, 2004) – In an effort to develop national awareness of child safety and ensure the well being of families across Canada, Zellers announced today that it has become the official sponsor of the Canadian Red Cross’ Babysitting Course. In addition, Zellers and the Canadian Red Cross announced they will launch an annual babysitting contest to recognize Canadian babysitters who go above and beyond the call of duty.
The Canadian Red Cross’ Babysitting Course is a fun and informative way for kids aged 11-15 to gain experience and knowledge necessary to be a successful babysitter. The program builds a strong foundation for first aid, caring and parenting skills that youth can use as a part of their regular babysitting activities or to handle emergencies.
"Red Cross is thrilled with the tremendous support Zellers has given to the Babysitting Course," said Pierre Duplessis, Secretary General of the Canadian Red Cross. "We believe very strongly in preventing injuries, and with the backing of a national retailer that focuses on families, even more youth can gain the skills and experience they need to be great babysitters."”
As the official sponsor of the Canadian Red Cross’ Babysitting Course, over 300 Zellers stores across Canada will serve as babysitting resource centers with certificate program information and fact sheets available to the community.
“At Zellers, we work hard everyday in our stores to make life easier for moms,” said Thomas Haig, President and Chief Operating Officer, Zellers. “What could be a more important part of making her life easier than helping to provide well-trained babysitters? The Red Cross’ babysitting training teaches kids how to be responsible for others and provides them with the skills necessary to be a babysitter. That’s why Zellers is very proud to become the official sponsor of this program.”
Some highlights of the Canadian Red Cross Babysitting Course are:
- Care-giving skills: feeding, dressing, diapering, holding and problem solving.
- First aid: In the event of illness, choking, bleeding and poisoning.
- Injury and illness prevention: homes, outdoor, fire and water safety.
- Leadership skills: What to do in an emergency and handling various babysitting situations.
- Basic business skills: how to write a resume and handle an interview.
The Canadian Red Cross announced they will launch an annual babysitting contest to recognize Canadian babysitters who go above and beyond the call of duty. Entrants can submit their stories about how they provided exemplary babysitting services online at www.redcross.ca to be considered for the award. The winners will be Canadian youth who have taken the program, and used their knowledge to benefit others. Ten national grand prize winners of a $500 Hbc Gift Card will be announced in February 2005.
Hudson’s Bay Company, established in 1670, is Canada’s largest department store retailer and oldest corporation. The Company provides Canadians with the widest selection of goods and services available through numerous retail channels including more than 500 stores led by the Bay, Zellers and Home Outfitters chains. Hudson’s Bay Company is one of Canada’s largest employers with nearly 70,000 associates and operations in every province.
The Canadian Red Cross aims to reduce death and suffering due to injury and sudden illness through its first aid programs. Programs are delivered through Red Cross branches as well as more than 2,600 Authorized Providers across the country. Trainers reach more than 300,000 participants each year through a variety of first aid and injury prevention programs, including everything from the skills needed for workplace safety, to teaching young people to be better babysitters.
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For more information contact:
Suzanne Charest, Canadian Red Cross
Communications Officer
Tel: (613) 740-1928
Pager: (613) 594-7405
Colleen Lavender, Canadian Red Cross
(403) 261-6230
Katherine Raso, HBC Corporate Communications
(416) 861-4432
